[CQ-Contest] Rig placement and ergonomics

[John Geiger]

You can tell that the 10 meter contest has no propagation if I am sending out an email during it.

Let me preface this question by saying that I don't want to computer control the rig.  I have tried that before with a TS-B2000 and didn't like it.  I say this because I am sure that it would be the answer many would reply with.

Here is my situation.  On Thanksgiving day I hurt my right shoulder (I am right handed) and as it was getting better I reinjured it last weekend in the 160 contest by excessive tuning of the VFO dial.  The shack is set up on a computer center, and the rig is on the second shelf, right at eye level. This means I have to raise my arm to tune the VFO dial, and the excessive raising last weekend reirritated my shoulder.  This past week I would just use my left hand to tune the VFO and push buttons instead, but that was getting awkward, especially with the 10 meter contest coming up.

Today I broke down and moved the rig to the desktop instead, so I don't have to raise my arm to turn the dial.  I really don't like it here as it looks a little more cluttered now with the rig, laptop, keyer paddles, and rotor control.  Plus is it closer to the line of fire when my 6 year old daughter is throwing things around the house.  However, this will have to do for now.

Now here is my question:  Have others found that having the rig slightly lower than you is easier on the arms or shoulders over the long run than having to raise your arm to tune the rig?  I was hoping to eventually move it back to its original place, but if I run the risk of straining the shoulder more having it there, I might have to learn to live with it where it is.  

What has your experience taught you about rig placement?  Maybe there is a doctor or orthopeadist on the list who knows something about ergonomics and injury prevention.  I am using a Yaesu FT857D so I guess I could eventually remote mount the faceplate at a lower level and put the body of the rig where it used to be.

Talk about a bummer way to start the 10 meter contest weekend.

73s John AA5JG